Saturday, April 11, 2009

2010 BMW Z4 Car Review

While nearly all prize ponies have long since left the barn, BMW has decided to wait for all the pushing and shoving to subside before letting loose its prized Z4 thoroughbred.

Traditional practice dictates that the German-based automaker introduce new or significantly upgraded powertrains in its sedan lineup before installing them in its "Z" sports car. The same holds true again this year, but the Z4, which arrives in May, has also been fitted with revised sheetmetal plus a consolidation of separate coupe and convertible body styles into a single (and convenient) have-it-your-way configuration.

Hardtop-convertibles aren't the latest Big Thing in vehicle design. Among the current crop are the Chrysler Sebring, Volkswagen Eos, Mazda MX-5 and Volvo C70. As well, BMW recently installed its first-ever folding roof when it upgraded the 3-series convertible.

The advantages of a retractable hardtop, such as improved weather/security protection, a quieter cabin and added structural integrity, are important assets when applied to a sports-car platform. The Z4's two-piece aluminum unit can be automatically raised in just 20 seconds by activating a console-mounted switch or an optional remote control button on the key.

To provide sufficient storage for the new cover, more than 12 centimetres of length has been spliced into the back of the car. That also means more room behind the seats where you'll find a removable partition separating the trunk and top stowage zones. Buyers can also select an optional pass-through into the cabin so that skis and other longer items can be brought along for the ride.

Other key dimensions remain fairly steady, although BMW has managed to dial a bit more shoulder and elbow room into the revised cockpit.

Despite the added length, the Z4, which now weighs about 100 kilograms more than a 2008 Z4 ragtop, appears generally similar to its predecessor. Subtle sheetmetal changes include a restyled front and rear end, added character lines in the hood and more streamlined door and fender panels that replace the previous model's somewhat jarring creases. These modest adjustments give the Z4 a thinner and more athletic stance.

The base sDrive30i is equipped with a 255-horsepower 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, while the sDrive35i runs with a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.0 that puts down 300 horses. That's a significant jump from last year's 215- and 255-horse base and optional engines.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard. A six-speed automatic is available on the sDrive30i, while a seven-speed "double-clutch sport automatic" (essentially an automated manual that lacks a clutch pedal) gearbox is optional on the sDrive35i. Both automatics come with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. BMW claims the twin-turbo Z4 will accelerate to 60 mph (96 km-h) in 5.0 seconds (0.6 seconds quicker than the base car). That compares with the previous Z4 M and its 330-horsepower 3.2-litre non-turbocharged six-cylinder engine.

Along with a wealth of standard equipment, BMW's brand of traction and stability and control is built into the Z4. The latter helps keep the car headed on the intended path when encountering slippery conditions. The system, which keeps the brake linings dry for more consistent performance, will also pre-load the brakes when it senses an impending panic stop.

There are also three driver-selectable settings (Normal, Sport and Sport+) for ride height, suspension firmness, power-steering response and throttle sensitivity. The highest mode, Sport+, limits the Z4's stability- and traction-control interference. It's still there, but it allows slight wheelspin.

In addition, the standard leather seats have been treated with a special material designed to stay cool by reflecting, instead of absorbing, the sun's rays.

On the option sheet is a centre-console controller, called iDrive, that operates the navigation and communication systems.

The newly dressed and enlivened Z4 is suddenly a more practical and responsive roadster that should suit drivers desiring more fun in the sun, or whatever the weather deities throw at them.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Tesla Electric Cars - Electric Powered Cars Sale

Automotive Sites

How to Shop for an Electric Car

Things are changing all the time even in the auto industry. Electric cars used to be something of fantasy and now we need to know how to shop for an electric car. Although the electric cars are not readily available everywhere, they are becoming more popular and more sought after every day. Apply some of the following suggestions to help you in your process of shopping for an electric car.

Research the available information about electric cars. You need to be an informed consumer in order to properly shop for an electric car. Check consumer report websites and publications for the top rated electric vehicles. These publications will break down the electric cars by various categories such as price, size, miles per gallon and speed abilities while running on electricity. Be sure to compare their other features such as seating capacity, storage space, safety features and maintenance reports. Keep in mind that a hybrid version of a standard model vehicle usually runs at least $3,000 more than its non-hybrid version.

Shop the car dealerships for their featured electric cars. Lexus now offers a hybrid in its 440h (hybrid), which is marketed to be a luxury, but sporty, utility vehicle. Ford has done well with its Escape Hybrid, its smallest sports utility vehicle. There is quite a bit of price difference between the Lexus and the Ford, so it shows that there are hybrids or electric capacity cars out there for every budget. As the electric cars are relatively new on the market, there may be only one per dealership. You may have to work with a sales person to order the electric car you have decided to purchase.

Attend auto shows in major cities. At the auto shows, you will see other electric cars or hybrids in addition to the previously described Lexus and Escape. You will be able to view a Honda Prius hybrid and the new Chevrolet Volt hybrid. Also, look to see some of the up and coming hybrids being shown such as the Honda Accord hybrid, Honda Civic hybrid and the Toyota Camry hybrid. It shows that many car manufacturers are jumping on the hybrid or electric car bandwagon and making hybrid versions of popular sedan styles. If you like what you see, you can probably make a deal right on the spot.

Browse online and Internet websites for options on buying an electric car as well. This is a great source to use if your local dealership does not have the type electric car in stock. You just might find it across the country somewhere and have it shipped right to your front door.

Shop for electric cars by your need for one. If your need for an electric car is only to move around your property or your own neighborhood, then you should consider the "original" electric car known as the "golf cart."